Nectarine tree named ‘Nectaperle’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectarperle’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, very high percentage red skin. The tree is of medium size and is vigorous. Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘Nectarperle’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, which has been given the variety denomination ‘Nectarperle’. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone flesh fruit for fresh market in July in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Contrast is made to ‘Zaigibe’ (Queen Ruby®), ‘Zairesi’ (Red Silver®) and ‘Zaitabo’ (Big Top®) nectarines, standard varieties, for reliable description. ‘Nectarperle’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has an early flowering, fruit with very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and so a very durable fruit.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

‘Nectarperle’ nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, where it was tested. The male parent was ‘Zaitabo’ (Big Top®) yellow nectarine and the female parent ‘Maillarosette’ (Mamirosette®) nectarine. ‘Maillarosette’ (Mamirosette®) is a variety resulting from a controlled seedbed of ‘Zairesi’ (Red Silver®). ‘Nectarperle’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, as 01.16.107.02 Nb and is registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic Dec. 17, 2003 under number 1014093. It was obtained by hybridizing and is propagated by grafting. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of this standard rootstock on this scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in early March at Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it blooms at the same time as ‘Zaigibe’ (Queen Ruby®) variety, between 1^(st) and 12^(th) of March.

The first fruit of ‘Nectarperle’ ripens in July, 3 days before the first fruit of ‘Zaigibe’ (Queen Ruby®) variety. More particularly, it approximately ripens between July 17^(th) and 28^(th).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which depicts the reverse and size view of the flower and the reproductive organs with petals removed of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a typical specimen of the fruit, the leaf and branch of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical leaves; a dorsal view of a single leaf; two whole fruit sufficiently mature for harvesting and shipment; and a third fruit which has been cut in half with the pit being left in one of the halves for depicting fruit flesh, pit cavity and stone of the new variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘Nectarperle’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-spread out aspect. The flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins early in springtime. The type of flower is non showy, campanulate, with small petal size. Petals are dark pink to purple pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. Time of maturity for consumption is early. The fruit flesh is white with slightly red pigmentation under the skin and into the stone cavity. Fruit skin is very thick, of bright purple red blush color on a pink-washed red background. The stone is medium size and the flesh is very adherent. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

Compared to ‘Zaigibe’ (Queen Ruby®) variety, ‘Nectarperle’ has the same time of maturity although the red coloration is higher, 90%, and the taste is sweeter. Shelf life of fruit is very long instead of being short.

Compared to ‘Zairesi’ (Red Silver®) fruit, ‘Nectarperle’ fruit has a very longer shelf life and a sweeter taste.

Moreover fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the second fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been made on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ tree. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree: -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered medium large as compared to other             common commercial nectarine cultivars. The tree size the             first year was approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned             during each following dormant season to a height of             approximately 250 cm. Current seasons shoots growth could             reach 80 cm. So the tree size from the second year (second             and next years) reached a final height of 330 cm with             current seasons shots length comprised.         -   Spread.—Approximately 1.0 meter. The whole orchard was             oriented to a central leader organisation, with tree lines             spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1 meter in a same             tree line.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from             about 200 cm to 280 cm in height during the first growing             season. For second and following seasons, the variety was             pruned to an approximate height of 250 cm.         -   Productivity.—Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by             thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired             market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with             the prevailing climatic conditions and cultivar practices             employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not             distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. A thinning of 1 fruits on 3 was             necessary for the tree valorisation. Thinning may not be too             important because of the high magnifying potential of the             fruit. Thinning was necessary every year during the past 4             years.         -   Form.—The ‘Nectarperle’ variety has naturally a semi-spread             shape.         -   Density.—Considered medium dense and dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appears to be hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.             Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling             requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 yours             showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. No damages             were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as −12°             degrees Celsius. The tree was also very resistant to frosty             springtime weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 8.0 cm and 9.5 cm in             diameter when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm             above the soil level, on trees from the second growing             season. The branching begins at 50 cm above the soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous lecticels are present on trees from the             second growing season. The lenticels range in size from             approximately 3.0 millimeters to 3.8 millimeters in width,             and from 1.5 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters in height.         -   Lentical color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey             color (RHS Grey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D), whereas the             inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166B).         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color a little             more pronounced than lenticels outside color (RHS Grey 201 C             to RHS Black 202 C). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are             considered medium to thick for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.             The current season shoots have a diameter from 5.0 to 9.0             millimeters, and branches of trees from the second growing             season have a diameter comprised between 30.0 and 50.0             millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old             has no furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally between 50 degrees and 60             degrees from the horizontal axis. This particular             characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety,             however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Generally 23.0 millimeters to 32.0             millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199             A). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light             green (RHS Green 143C-D) on lower part of new shoot tips,             where as the upper part is colored in more or less brown-red             (RHS Greyed Red 182A-B-C-D) following the position on the             shoot. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered large for the species. Leaf measurements             have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season             growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio leaf             length/leaf width is above 4.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 170.0 to 200.0 millimeters with             leaf petiole.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 43.0 to 52.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the leaf             longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).         -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145             D).         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In             this last case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one             or two smaller leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 10.0 to about 17.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.0 to about 2.5 mm.         -   Color.—Light green with a cream touch (RHS Yellow Green 145             D). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium. Their length is about 1.5             millimeters.         -   Number.—Generally 2.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a             pale green (RHS Green 145 B). On older leaves, leaf glands             color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in             the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is             possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a             normal-size leaf and smaller ones. -   Flowers: -   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is             evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just             before blooming, floral buds are approximately 10.0             millimeters wide and approximately 18.0 millimeters long. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flowers buds, formed by sepals, is of purple-brown color             (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by petals, is             generally of purple pink color (RHS Red Purple 60 D). Petals             color shows an evolution until the end of flowering. The             buds are considered hardy under typical central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central             Pyrénées-Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as             low as −12° C. in December or January. The current variety             has not been intentionally subjected to drought or heat             stress, but the variety showed a very good resistance in             orchard to temperatures up to 42° C. with an average             temperature between 28° C. and 30° C. during 3 weeks in             summer.         -   Date of bloom.—Generally early March. The first bloom,             observed on Feb. 21, 2002, was exceptionally early. Second             and third blooms took place respectively on Mar. 5, 2003 and             Mar. 1, 2004.         -   Blooming time.—Considered early-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of             full bloom is observed on March. The date of bloom varies             slightly with climatic conditions and cultural practices.             Thus the first full bloom was observed on Feb. 27, 2002,             second full bloom on Mar. 11, 2003, and third full bloom on             Mar. 7, 2004.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 12 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a non showy             type flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered small. Flower diameter at full bloom             is approximately 20.0 to 30.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, approximately 40             flowers per meter.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per             node, occasionally 1. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered small for the species.         -   Length.—Generally about 17.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally about 11.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Elongated with a round tip.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Dark Pink (RHS Red Purple 61 D) to Purple Pink             (RHS Red Purple 61 A) when young, darkening with advancing             senescence.         -   Fragrance.—Slight. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a             slightly rounded extremity.         -   Length.—Approximately 8.0 to 10.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally very slightly undulated. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally entire at the tip             and round. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium and having an average length of             approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 C to D). -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—A green yellow (varying from RHS Yellow 13 A-B Group             to RHS Yellow Green 150 A-B Group). -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of             Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color. -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture.         -   Size.—Small to medium.         -   Color.—A flat Red (approximately RHS Greyed Red 178 A).         -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately             comprised between 60 and 90 stamens per flower. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Average in length.         -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed             Purple 178 A Group). Anthers are becoming yellow at             maturity.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B-C). The present             variety is considered self fruitful (self-pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 11.0 to 16.0             millimeters in length. In all cases filament's length is             superior or equal to pistil's length.         -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple             62 C-B). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1, rarely 2.         -   Generally.—Average in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 15.0 to 21.0 millimeters including the             ovary; Smaller or equal to filament's length.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow             Green 150 D Group to RHS Yellow Green 151 D Group).         -   Surface texture.—Glabrous. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 17, 2003.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 27, 2003. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. The             ‘Nectarperle’ variety has a early date of picking, and a             grouped maturity: only 2 harvests in 10 days were necessary. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large to very large, with a             homogeneous size between them.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 80.0 millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.0 millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally between 240.0 grams and 260.0             grams. This characteristic is high dependent upon the             prevailing cultural practices, and therefore is not             particularly distinctive of the variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in             symmetry, viewed from pistil end.         -   Fruit suture.—Very shallow and smooth, extending from the             base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists             along the suture line. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—This has generally a color similar to the blush fruit             color, a purple red (RHS Red Purple 59A to RHS Red 46A             Group). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—Non prominent, slightly depressed, very small.         -   Base.—Shallow.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally elongated in the suture plane.             Average depth of the stem cavity is about 0.8 cm. Average             width is about 2.1 cm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and tenacious             to moderately tenacious to the flesh depending on stage of             maturity.         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.         -   Tendency to crack.—None observed. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is an homogenous bright purple             red (RHS Red Purple 59A to RHS Red 46A Group). The red blush             covers 90% to 100% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage             of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is             generally dependant upon the prevailing conditions under             which the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—The ground color appears until 10% of the             fruit skin surface, and is considered pink-washed red (RHS             Greyed Red 180 D).         -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenous, slow.         -   Texture.—Very film, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity             stage.         -   Fibers.—Not fibrous.         -   Aroma.—Pronounced.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and spicy.         -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is elevated and             acidity is comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. The flavor             is considered spicy.         -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.         -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             climatic conditions.         -   Flesh color.—White flesh (RHS White Group N155D), with             slight red pigmentation under the fruit skin and in the             stone cavity (RHS Red purple 60 A to B). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form             and dimensions corresponding to the stone's dimensions.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety. The stone size             varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop             load and prevailing growing conditions.         -   Length.—Approximately 36. millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 25.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 18.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Elliptic.         -   Base.—Straight. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex has a small prominent tip. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its             entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.             The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent             generally and present basally.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by             more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more             prominent at the apical tip. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of             approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Grooved.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is red-brown (RHS             Red Purple 59 B) on 80% to 90% of the stone surface, and             light brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166 D) on 10% to 20% of the             stone surface.         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent or very low,             depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and             stone hardening. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.         -   Length.—About 20.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—About 14.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—About 6.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is a light orange-yellow (RHS Greyed             Orange N167C to N167B). The almond is cream-white (RHS             Orange White 159 D). The kernel and its embryo are mature at             the time of fruit maturity.         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Nectarperle’ is considered to be a             nectarine tree of the very early season of maturity, and             which produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively             colored. Fruits are excellent for uncooked consumption,             crunchy or at full maturity. Due to their flesh quality,             firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as             4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for             example). And they are also useful for both local and very             long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit stayed a little more than             one week on tree before harvest and then, has stored well             more than 4 weeks after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They             have a slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the             tree after growth completion and after harvesting without             alteration.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new             nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or             skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and             packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during             harvest and packing and its long shelf life without             alteration after harvest easily permit 3 weeks-shipping at             2° degree Celsius.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very             sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and             decay due to its thick and strong skin.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control and horitcultural management are to be expected. 

1. A new and distinct nectarine tree variety as illustrated and described, characterized by fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very high percentage of red blush. 